# EU Council Simplifies Defence Procurement

On 9 October 2026, the Council of the European Union approved legislation in the Omnibus V package to simplify defence procurement, investment, permitting, and transfers within the EU. The measures include higher procurement thresholds, more flexible framework agreements and contract modifications, provision for occasional joint procurement, and increased European Defence Fund support for projects involving SMEs. Publication in the EU Official Journal and implementation details remain pending.

- Procurement teams and contractors can assess how the proposed higher thresholds and framework-agreement flexibilities may affect upcoming requirements once the legislation is published and implementation details are available.
- The provision for occasional joint procurement may create opportunities for suppliers able to support requirements shared across EU member states.
- SMEs and prime contractors working with them may benefit from increased European Defence Fund support for SME-involved projects.

**Jurisdictions:** international
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Topics:** Contracting Vehicles, Policy
**Published:** October 09, 2026

### Government Entities
- Council of the European Union (EU Council)
- European Defence Fund (EDF)

### Key Quotes
> The defence readiness simplification omnibus will help Europe strengthen its security by making it easier to invest in, procure and deliver the defence capabilities we need.
> — Helen McEntee, Defence Minister

### Sources
- [Final green light to laws boosting EU defence industry - EUbusiness.com | EU news, business and politics](https://www.eubusiness.com/defence/final-green-light-to-laws-boosting-eu-defence-industry) - EUbusiness.com